Everything you need to know to keep your family healthy, entertained and frugal.

Family Time: Creating a dog-friendly meal experience

About this blog

Advice, kid-friendly movie and book reviews, and other family tidbits from GateHouse News Service. Daily tips on ways to bring your family together, weekend activities, ideas for saving money and more.

Recent Posts

Mealtime is going...well, to the dogs - literally. Dumping kibble into a bowl and walking away has become less and less the norm. Feeding the family dog has evolved into new territory. For example, have you ever warmed your dog's food in the microwave before serving it to him? You wouldn't be alone if you have. Maybe you and your dog have a mealtime ritual? Again, you would be in good company.

Dec. 11, 2012
11:27 a.m.

Tip of the WeekA 2012 online survey of dog owners by Chef Michael's brand food for dogs indicated that when feeding their dog, their mealtime rituals included: mixing wet and dry food together (33 percent) and preparing food, such as measuring, chopping and heating (28 percent). The newest trend to pop up in doggy mealtime? Food trucks.
Food trucks are increasing in popularity in many U.S. cities, so tailoring that experience to our four-legged friends seems like a logical next step. However, with 78.2 million dogs living as pets in the U.S. according to the 2011-2012 American Pet Products Association National Pet Owners Survey, there simply aren't enough pet-friendly food trucks available to serve them.
And as it turns out, many dog owners agree. That same online survey by Chef Michael's indicated that nearly 59 percent of dog owners surveyed have patronized food trucks for themselves. In addition, 48 percent would likely take their dog to lunch or dinner at a food truck that provided food for dogs if there was one in their neighborhood.
Have you visited a food truck for dogs and want to continue that a special experience for you and your dog at home? Here are a few quick tips that can help you make mealtime for your dog just as special as your own.
- Create a routine to fit with your mealtimes. Feed your dog at regularly scheduled times, such as when the family is having breakfast or dinner so they feel included.
- Turn mealtime into a bonding experience. Develop a ritual where you spend some quality one-on-one time with your dog before or after the meal.
- Use mealtime to teach your dog a new trick. Nineteen percent of dog owners surveyed make their dog(s) do a trick before eating.
- Relax and go for a walk after dinner. There's no better way for your dog to savor the sights and sounds of your community than on an evening walk.
- Brandpoint
Family Movie NightLooking for a good Christmas movie to watch on DVD? Check out our list of favorite non-animated classics:
- “It's a Wonderful Life” (1946): This and “Miracle on 34th Street” are the ultimate in Christmas classics. They’re movies that movie you every time you watch them.
- “Miracle on 34th Street” (1947): See above.
- “A Christmas Story” (1983): The movie that completes the trinity of must-see Christmas movies. Ralphie’s adventures always bring home the holiday cheer.
- “Elf” (2003): This Will Ferrell movie has become a classic in line with the above three. It’s a quirky, touching take on Christmas.
- “The Santa Clause” (1994): This Tim Allen film spawned several sequels, but this is definitely the best. A great funny movie.
- “National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation” (1989): Another great Christmas comedy, this Chevy Chase flick will have you smiling all season long.
- “Scrooged” (1988): This Bill Murray film is one of the best adaptations of “The Christmas Carol.”
Book Report“A Quest of Heroes (Book #1 in the Sorcerer's Ring),” by Morgan Rice
Ages: Young adult
Pages: eBook, available from Barnes & Noble
Synopsis: With its sophisticated world-building and characterization, “A Quest of Heroes” is an epic tale of friends and lovers, of rivals and suitors, of knights and dragons, of intrigues and political machinations, of coming of age, of broken hearts, of deception, ambition and betrayal. It is a tale of honor and courage, of fate and destiny, of sorcery. It is a fantasy that brings us into a world we will never forget, and which will appeal to all ages and genders. – Morgan Rice
Did You KnowA Swedish study found that 1 in 5 teenagers who have lost one or both parents to cancer cut themselves. Teens with two living parents cut themselves at a 1 in 10 rate.
GateHouse News Service